David McCullough Jr., a high school English teacher and the son of renowned historian David McCullough, delivered what would become one of the most viral graduation speeches in history at Wellesley High School in 2012. Standing before graduates in their identical caps and gowns on a literal level playing field, he told them bluntly that they were not special. The speech became a YouTube sensation, generating millions of views and sparking a national conversation about entitlement and the culture of participation trophies. McCullough's intent was not to crush spirits but to liberate — he argued that the relentless reassurance that every child is special has led to a generation that values accolades over genuine achievement, and that confuses being praised with being accomplished.